Drainage trapping cartridge and a drainage trapping device for preventing backflow of gas

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a drainage trapping device which can prevent waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria from flowing backwards. The drainage trapping device comprises a water inlet pipe, a drainage trapping cartridge, a water outlet pipe, a float valve and a retaining component. The drainage trapping cartridge is provided with a water outlet which is connected to the water outlet pipe. A lower end of the drainage trapping cartridge is connected with the water inlet pipe. The float valve is disposed inside the drainage trapping cartridge and hermetically engages with a lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water. The retaining component is disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or in the water outlet pipe, for preventing the float valve from running out.

FIELD

The present invention relates to drainage trapping devices and, more particularly a drainage trapping device cartridge and a drainage trapping device, which can prevent the waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria from flowing backwards.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, people have paid more and more attention to the details of living environment, such as the installation of furnishings, scientific design of living facilities etc. For the storied buildings where people live, the drainage trapping devices, also referred to as drainage gas-shielding devices, are absolutely necessary in daily life because they control the draining of domestic water etc. The gas may flow backwards if there is no suitable trapping device in the drainage pipe. As a result, people will perceive smell of the waste gas from the opening of the draining device and may feel bad if inhaling the waste gas.

At present, the drainage trapping device for preventing the gas from flowing backwards is U-shaped. Due to U-shaped design, the water will accumulate at the lower bottom of the U-shaped pipe after the water is drained. A water seal generated in this way can prevent the waste gas at the water outlet from entering the water inlet and the interior of the building. However, if the accumulated water at the U-type lower bottom of the drainage trapping device is subject to siphon absorption or evaporated due to heat, the waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria at the water outlet will easily enter the interior of the building and thus pollute the indoor air and living environment, thereby forming harm to personal health.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a drainage trapping device for preventing backflow of gas and a drainage trapping cartridge are provided, which can provide a solution to backflow of gas occurring in the conventional drainage trapping device.

A drainage trapping device for preventing backflow of gas comprises a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, a drainage trapping cartridge, a float valve and a retaining component. The drainage trapping cartridge defines a water outlet connected to the water outlet pipe. A lower end of the drainage trapping cartridge is connected with the water inlet pipe. The float valve is disposed inside the drainage trapping cartridge and is configured for hermetically engaging with a lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water. The float valve defines a diameter higher than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge. The retaining component is disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or in the water outlet pipe. The retaining component is configured for preventing the float valve from running out. The retaining component is a block-shaped or rod-shaped component radially projected from inner circumference of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or the water outlet pipe or is an integral form of an annular component engaged to the drainage trapping cartridge and a block-shaped or rod-shaped component projected from inner circumference of the annular component.

A drainage trapping cartridge comprises a water inlet, a water outlet, a float valve disposed inside the drainage trapping cartridge, a retaining component disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge. The float valve is configured for hermetically engaging with a lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water. The float valve defines a diameter higher than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge. The retaining component is configured for preventing the float valve from running out. The retaining component is a block-shaped or rod-shaped component radially projected from inner circumference of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or is an integral form of an annular component engaged to the drainage trapping cartridge and a block-shaped or rod-shaped component projected from inner circumference of the annular component.

In the present invention, the float valve floats on the water during water draining so that the water can smoothly pass through the drainage trapping cartridge and the water outlet pipe, and enter the outdoor main sewage drainage pipe. When the water is not drained, the water accumulated at the bottom of the drainage trapping device can prevent the gas from flowing backwards to the interior of the building from the outside. When the water in the drainage trapping device is continuously vaporized till dries up completely, the float valve can close and seal up the bottom of the drainage trapping cartridge due to its gravity and its diameter higher than that of the bottom of the drainage trapping cartridge. In this way, the float valve can prevent the waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria from flowing backwards into the interior of the building. In the event that the gas flows backwards, the float valve can more tightly seal up the bottom of the drainage trapping cartridge under higher gas pressure. The drainage trapping device has a compact structure and a double protection from backflow of gas. The retaining component (e.g., a tapered rod) is disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or in the water outlet pipe, for preventing the float valve from running out, which can prevent the float valve from running out without affecting the flow rate of water output and blocking the waste materials.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an entire perspective view of a drainage trapping device preventing backflow of gas in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of a drainage trapping cartridge in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of a drainage trapping cartridge in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric, schematic view of a retaining component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Objects, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be appreciated that the following description of the embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, FIG. 1 shows a drainage trapping device, also referred to as a drainage gas-shielding device, for preventing backflow of gas in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The drainage trapping device is in a U-shaped form and includes a water inlet pipe 1, a water outlet pipe 2, a drainage trapping cartridge 3 and a float valve 4. The float valve 4 is configured (i.e., structured, arranged or adapted) for hermetically engaging with a lower part of the drainage trapping (i.e., gas-shielding) cartridge when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water.

The water inlet pipe 1 is connected with the drainage trapping cartridge 3 to cooperatively form U-shaped structure by, e.g., a threaded connection mechanism 5. For example, walls of joint of the water inlet pipe 1 and the drainage trapping cartridge 3 are respectively provided with screw threads. The threaded connection mechanism 5 hermetically fastens together the water inlet pipe 1 and the drainage trapping cartridge 3. Alternatively, the water inlet pipe 1 and the drainage trapping cartridge 3 can be integrally formed as a whole.

The drainage trapping cartridge 3 is connected with the water outlet pipe 2. A water outlet is defined at a joint of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 with the water outlet pipe 2. The water outlet pipe 2 is fastened on the wall around the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge 3, and has an opening. Advantageously, the water outlet pipe 2, with the opening tilting up, is mounted on the wall. The drainage trapping cartridge 3 and the water outlet pipe 2 can be integrally formed as a whole, or alternatively connected together by a sealant.

The lower part of the above-mentioned drainage trapping cartridge 3 is in a funnel form, with a diameter decreasing gradually from upper to lower, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The lower diameter of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 is less than the upper diameter. The inner wall of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge is provided with a rubber ring 8. The float valve 4 hermetically engages with the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water.

The float valve 4 is a round ball which may be hollow or solid, made of plastic or metal. The outer surface of float valve 4 is a smooth surface, with a diameter mare than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3. The weight of the float valve 4 is designed in such a way that the float valve 4 can float on the water when the water is drained or the float valve 4 is still. In the event that the water is subject to siphon absorption of positive and negative pressure or vaporized due to heat, the float valve 4 can fall to the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 and hermetically engages with the lower part. If the gas flows backwards, the float valve 4 will more tightly seal up the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 under higher gas pressure.

A maintenance cover 6 is disposed on the upper end of the drainage trapping cartridge 3. The maintenance cover 6 may be readily removed to perform some operation to the drainage trapping cartridge 3, for example cleaning up the extraneous matters and sand deposited in the drainage trapping cartridge 3 during drainage, replacing or maintaining the float valve 4 etc.

A retaining component 7 is disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 or in the water outlet pipe 2. The retaining component 7 is configured for preventing the float valve 4 from running out. Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining component 7 is a block-shaped or rod-shaped component radially projected from inner circumference of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 or the water outlet pipe. Referring to FIG. 3, in another embodiment of the present invention, the retaining component 7 is an integral form of an annular component engaged to the drainage trapping cartridge and a block-shaped or rod-shaped component projected from inner circumference of the annular component. In this way, the retaining component 7 can be detachably mounted on an upper part of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge 3, so you can readily remove the damaged retaining component 7 and replace it by a new one without the need to replace the whole drainage trapping cartridge 3, accordingly reducing cost of the device.

A gap between an inner tip of the retaining component 7 and the wall of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge and/or between the inner tip of the retaining component and the wall of the water outlet pipe is less than the diameter of the float valve 4, so the float valve 4 is unable to run out. The retaining component 7 may be a tapered rod which has no effect on the flow rate of water output, and doesn't block the flow of the waste materials (like hair etc.). The waste materials can be discharged out through the gap. Preferably, the retaining component is disposed at the middle of the upper part of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 or the water outlet pipe 2. In this way, the waste materials can be easily flow away from the lower gap without any obstruction. A gap is defined between the retaining component 7 and the side wall of the upper end of the water outlet of drainage trapping cartridge 3. The gap can act as a buffer for the large impulsive force from water flow and thus protect the tapered retaining component 7 from being broken.

During drainage, the float valve 4, due to the impulsive force of water flow, will float towards the water outlet of drainage trapping cartridge 3. Then, the retaining component 7 at the water outlet will retain the float valve 4 so that the float valve 4 doesn't block the water outlet and affect the drainage, or the float valve 4 is unable to flow into the water outlet pipe 2 and to outside further, thereby having no effect on the flow rate of water output.

When drained, the water flows into the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 from the upper end of the water inlet pipe 1. After the water accumulates to a certain level in the drainage trapping cartridge 3, the float valve 4 will move or float up due to the impulsive force of water flow. At the same time, the water flows to the water outlet pipe 2 from the water outlet of drainage trapping cartridge 3 and is drained to the waste pipe. During drainage, the float valve 4 can float above the water outlet at most. The float valve 4 may trend to float to the water outlet of drainage trapping cartridge 3 but is retained to space from the water outlet due to obstruction of the retaining component 7. Thus, the float valve 4 doesn't block the water outlet and affect the drainage, or the float valve 4 is prevented from flowing into the water outlet pipe 2 and to outside further.

When the water is not drained, the water accumulated at the lower part of U-shaped drainage trapping device or even above the lower part of drainage trapping cartridge 3 can prevent the gas from flowing backwards. When the level of water at the lower part of drainage trapping device becomes lower than the lower end of drainage trapping cartridge 3, the float valve 4 can close and seal up the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 due to gravity and its diameter higher than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3, which prevents the waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria from flowing backwards into the interior of the building.

Additionally, after the water accumulated at the lower part of U-type drainage trapping device continuously changes into vapors till dries up completely, the float valve 4 can close and engage with the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3 due to gravity and its diameter higher than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge 3. With a smooth outer surface, the float valve 4 is able to completely seal up the lower part of drainage trapping cartridge 3 and prevent the waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria from flowing backwards into the interior of the building.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the float valve floats on the water during water draining so that the water can smoothly pass through the drainage trapping cartridge and the water outlet pipe, and enter the outdoor main sewage drainage pipe. When the water is not drained, the water accumulated at the bottom of the drainage trapping device can prevent gas from flowing backwards to the interior of the building from the outside. When the water in the drainage trapping device continuously changes into vapor till dries up completely, the float valve can close and engage with the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge due to gravity and its diameter higher than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge. In this way, the float valve can prevent the waste gas or poisonous gas containing bacteria from flowing backwards into the interior of the building. In the event that the gas is intended to flow backwards, the float valve can more tightly seal up the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge under higher gas pressure. In the embodiments of the present invention, the drainage trapping device has a compact structure and a double protection from backflow of gas. The retaining component (e.g., a tapered rod) is disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or in the water outlet pipe, for preventing the float valve from running out, which can prevent the float valve from running out without affecting the flow rate of water output and blocking the waste materials.

It is believed that the present embodiments and their advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention. 

1. A drainage trapping device for preventing backflow of gas, the device comprising: a water inlet pipe; a water outlet pipe; a drainage trapping cartridge defining a water outlet connected to the water outlet pipe, a lower end of the drainage trapping cartridge being connected with the water inlet pipe; a float valve disposed inside the drainage trapping cartridge, the float valve being configured for hermetically engaging with a lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water, the float valve defining a diameter higher than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge; and a retaining component disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or in the water outlet pipe, the retaining component being configured for preventing the float valve from running out, the retaining component being a block-shaped or rod-shaped component radially projected from inner circumference of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or the water outlet pipe or being an integral form of an annular component engaged to the drainage trapping cartridge and a block-shaped or rod-shaped component projected from inner circumference of the annular component.
 2. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein a gap between an inner tip of the retaining component and a wall of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge and/or between the inner tip of the retaining component and a wall of the water outlet pipe is less than the diameter of the float valve.
 3. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein the retaining component is a tapered rod.
 4. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein an inner wall of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge is provided with a rubber ring.
 5. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein the retaining component is disposed at the middle of an upper part of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or the water outlet pipe.
 6. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein a gap is defined between the retaining component and a sidewall of an upper part of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge.
 7. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge is in a funnel shape.
 8. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein the float valve is a round ball.
 9. The drainage trapping device of claim 1, wherein the water outlet pipe, with the opening tilting up, is mounted on the wall around the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge.
 10. A drainage trapping cartridge, comprising: a water inlet; a water outlet, the water outlet being connected to a water outlet pipe; a float valve disposed inside the drainage trapping cartridge, the float valve being configured for hermetically engaging with a lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge when the drainage trapping cartridge is devoid of water, the float valve defining a diameter higher than that of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge; and a retaining component disposed at the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or in the water outlet pipe, the retaining component being configured for preventing the float valve from running out, the retaining component being a block-shaped or rod-shaped component radially projected from inner circumference of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or the water outlet pipe or being an integral form of an annular component engaged to the drainage trapping cartridge and a block-shaped or rod-shaped component projected from inner circumference of the annular component.
 11. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein a gap between an inner tip of the retaining component and a wall of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge is less than the diameter of the float valve.
 12. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein the retaining component is a tapered rod.
 13. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein an inner wall of the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge is provided with a rubber ring.
 14. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein the retaining component is disposed at the middle of an upper part of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge or the water outlet pipe.
 15. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein a gap is defined between the retaining component and a sidewall of an upper part of the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge.
 16. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein the lower part of the drainage trapping cartridge is in a funnel shape.
 17. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein the float valve is a round ball.
 18. The drainage trapping cartridge of claim 10, wherein the water outlet pipe, with the opening tilting up, is mounted on the wall around the water outlet of the drainage trapping cartridge. 